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Steve Halor

Rolls-Royce unveils a custom Coachbuilt Roadster, showcasing the application of art in motion


In a groundbreaking announcement, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has taken the automotive world by storm with the introduction of Droptail. This meticulously crafted coachbuilt motor car is poised to redefine our perception of luxury, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was achievable in this esteemed sector. In an exclusive enclave known as the Coachbuild department, discerning individuals are granted a unique opportunity to craft a motor car that transcends mere status symbols. This exceptional space stands as the sole destination on the planet where true connoisseurs of opulence can fashion a vehicle that reflects their very essence. In an impressive display of craftsmanship, a collection of remarkable products has emerged as tangible manifestations of artistic ingenuity. Meticulously crafted over a span of over four years, these creations have been brought to life through a collaborative effort with a select group of visionary clients. At every stage of their masterpiece's development, these individuals collaborate with our designers, engineers, and craftspeople. In a groundbreaking collaboration, a remarkable motor car has emerged, destined to etch its name in the annals of Rolls-Royce history. This extraordinary vehicle stands as a testament to the unwavering ambition shared by our esteemed brand and its discerning clientele. Droptail, the latest innovation in automotive design, finally provides an answer to the age-old question: can a car truly be considered a work of art? In a momentous revelation, the resounding response to the introduction of this remarkable roadster is an emphatic "yes."

In a recent announcement, Torsten Müller-tvös, the esteemed Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, has made headlines in the automotive industry. With his vast experience and expertise, Müller-tvös has been at the helm of the renowned luxury car manufacturer, steering it towards unprecedented success. As the leader of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Müller


In the realm of Rolls-Royce design, the Coachbuild department stands as an unparalleled haven of boundless creativity. It is a space where the most audacious concepts can be brought to life and a progressive outlook on the realm of possibilities can be fully embraced. In the realm of Coachbuild, the freedom it offers allows us to transcend our current design approach and venture into daring, innovative, and intensely concentrated creative paths. The motor cars on display embody the aspirations of our esteemed clientele, encapsulating a distinct era while simultaneously exuding a daring and enduring interpretation of the Rolls-Royce brand. Introducing Droptail: The Pinnacle of Coachbuilding, a Motor Car Designed to be Driven.

In a recent announcement, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars revealed that Anders Warming has been appointed as their new design director. With an impressive background in the automotive industry, Warming brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. As the luxury car manufacturer continues to push the boundaries of design and innovation, Warming's creative vision


In a bold endeavor to redefine the essence of Rolls-Royce design, driven by the profound impact of creating the world's sole modern-day Rolls-Royce roadster, a sense of liberation permeated our team. In a groundbreaking move, the renowned Pantheon grille has undergone a remarkable transformation, marking a pivotal moment in our collective history. This bold redesign not only signifies a departure from tradition but also ushers in a new era of forward-thinking design. Known as Droptail, this innovative concept embraces the principles of minimalism and purpose-driven aesthetics, aligning seamlessly with modern standards of opulence and refinement. In the world of coachbuilt Rolls-Royces, the Droptail stands out as a remarkable creation that embodies the unique tastes and preferences of its discerning clients. As a privileged observer, I had the extraordinary opportunity to delve into the intricate details of this bespoke masterpiece alongside its commissioning clients over the course of several years. In what can only be described as a momentous declaration, Rolls-Royce has unveiled a groundbreaking statement that epitomizes an unparalleled era of unwavering assurance, lucidity, and meticulousness in their design philosophy. In a recent announcement, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars introduced Alex Innes as the new Head of Coachbuild Design. With an impressive background in the automotive industry, Innes is set to bring his expertise and creative vision to the renowned luxury car manufacturer. This appointment comes as Rolls-Royce continues to push the boundaries of automotive design and craftsmanship, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. As the Head

Rolls-Royce Coachbuild: The Intersection of Art and Automotive Excellence

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, known for its opulent offerings, is dedicated to crafting luxury products that resonate with the aspirations and unique preferences of its clientele. With its extraordinary bespoke capabilities, Rolls-Royce empowers customers to transform their desires into reality by commissioning exquisite, meticulously crafted, and one-of-a-kind motor cars.


In a bid to take their extraordinary, profoundly intimate encounters to new heights, a select few individuals have set their sights beyond the conventional offerings of Rolls-Royce. Driven by their lofty aspirations and discerning tastes, these exceptional clients yearn for a chance to collaborate directly with the esteemed designers, engineers, and artisans of the prestigious marque. Their ultimate goal? To fashion one-of-a-kind Rolls-Royce motor cars that transcend the boundaries of the brand's existing product lineup. Welcome to the world of Rolls-Royce Coachbuild, where these ambitious visionaries actively participate in every facet of their bespoke vehicles' creation.


Rolls-Royce Coachbuild's team of creatives views the motor car as more than just a means of transportation. To them, it is an exquisite form of applied art, meticulously crafted to evoke intellectual stimulation and emotional connection. Each vehicle is designed with a distinct purpose in mind, embodying a singular vision of beauty.


In 2017, a remarkable resurgence in contemporary coachbuilding was ignited by the introduction of 'Sweptail', an audacious two-door coupé crafted in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, in response to a client's desire to revive the art of coachbuilding. Boasting a sleekly tapering silhouette and an expansive glass roof that spans its entire length, this vehicle can be aptly described as the embodiment of extroversion. Building upon this success, the unveiling of 'Boat Tail' in 2021 further solidified the renaissance, presenting an open-top marvel that caters to its owners' penchant for hosting grand events. Unapologetically indulgent, this motor car epitomizes the spirit of hedonism.


Rolls-Royce unveils Droptail, the latest addition to their illustrious lineup, marking the third chapter in a captivating narrative that epitomizes the essence of the esteemed Rolls-Royce brand and the opulent super-luxury industry as a whole. With Droptail, the emphasis was placed on crafting an intimate and indulgent interior while simultaneously providing an unparalleled platform for exquisitely customized woodwork. This extraordinary vehicle encapsulates the allure of two-seat motoring, earning its rightful title as the epitome of romance.


In a limited production run, a mere four iterations of this extraordinary automobile are set to be crafted. Each of these exclusive creations will serve as a testament to the individuality and narrative of its respective client, showcasing their aspirations, perspectives, and discerning preferences. Notably, these distinguished patrons are not only esteemed collectors but also influential figures in the realms of business and the arts.

In a remarkable resurgence, the roadster body type is experiencing a renaissance like never before.


Droptail, the latest offering from Rolls-Royce, is making waves in the automotive industry as it represents a renaissance of the roadster body type. Breaking away from the conventional four-seat design that has long been associated with the prestigious brand, Droptail is a bold departure from the norm. Rolls-Royce has a rich history of providing rolling chassis to coachbuilders since the early 20th century. These bodybuilders would then create custom bodies to suit the preferences of their clients. While European customers gravitated towards grand, chauffeur-driven saloons with four doors, a new generation of American clients emerged with a different vision. This young and daring group of American buyers sought after two-door, two-seat roadster bodies for their Rolls-Royce vehicles. By opting for this configuration, they challenged the traditional and more formal codes of the brand. Their assertiveness and confidence as self-drivers disrupted the established norms, paving the way for a new era in Rolls-Royce's design philosophy.


The Rolls-Royce Droptail is a modern representation of the brand's core values, which has resonated with every client who has commissioned it. The designers at Rolls-Royce Coachbuild drew inspiration from iconic models such as the 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 'Sluggard', the 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom Brewster New York Roadster, and the 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Piccadilly. Just like these classic cars, the Droptail adopts a minimalist design approach. The pursuit of simplicity and absolute clarity in design is a challenging task for Rolls-Royce's creative team and craftsmen, but the end result is truly rewarding.

In a stunning display of precision and purpose, the Droptail exterior commands attention with its focused design and clear intent.


In a bold departure from the norm, the designers of Droptail have taken inspiration from the compact dimensions of early Rolls-Royce roadsters. With exterior dimensions measuring 5.3 meters in length and 2 meters in width, this vehicle pays homage to its predecessors. However, it is important to note that Droptail is far from being a mere replica of classic Rolls-Royce models. The progressive front-end treatment serves as a clear indication of the car's modernity and innovative design. In a daring move, the designers have reimagined two of the most iconic symbols associated with the Rolls-Royce brand: the Pantheon grille and the Badge of Honour. This new interpretation of these revered elements showcases the designers' willingness to push boundaries and create something truly unique.

In a departure from its usual design, Rolls-Royce introduces a unique feature in the vanes of the Pantheon grille for its latest model, the Droptail. For the first time in the history of the luxury marque, the vanes are elegantly 'kinked' towards the top of the radiator, creating a distinctive 'temple brow' overhang. This innovative approach represents a more relaxed interpretation of Rolls-Royce design principles, utilizing shadow to visually connect the front headlamps. The result is a striking horizontal graphic, accentuated by deep-set daytime running lights, which form the commanding brow line of the vehicle. Furthermore, the grille gracefully descends to reveal chamfered corners, adding to the informal and spirited character of Droptail.


Droptail, a unique profile, stands out with its distinctive proportions that enhance the driver-focused design of the car. The car's low and confident stance, along with its snug and enveloping cabin space and sleek surfacing, contribute to this characteristic. The coachwork features a striking negative body line that starts from the front wheel and guides the viewer's gaze towards the rear of the car. Notably, Droptail is a strict two-seater, as indicated by its 'sail cowls' located behind the doors. These angular forms, resembling a yacht's jib, rise prominently and gently curve inward, subtly drawing attention to the car's occupants.

Droptail's sail cowls showcase an impressive display of engineering prowess. The innovative design of the aft deck section, positioned between the occupants, serves a crucial aerodynamic purpose by generating downforce. This downforce plays a vital role in enhancing stability when the vehicle is operating at high speeds. However, achieving this feat while maintaining Droptail's distinctive "dropping" rear end, a design characteristic that typically doesn't lend itself to producing downforce without the aid of an external "wing," presented a significant challenge. Overcoming this obstacle required an extensive two-year collaboration between the marque's designers and aerodynamicists, resulting in the final form of the aft deck after undergoing 20 iterations.


Droptail's innovative design has captivated its commissioning clients, pushing the marque's designers to meet increasingly complex demands. One client, upon examining Droptail from the side, insisted that only the door handles, Spirit of Ecstasy, and Rolls-Royce monogram should disrupt its seamless surfaces. In response, engineers devised a door handle that cleverly incorporates a concealed lock mechanism and a subtly integrated indicator lamp. The design team's reimagination of the iconic Rolls-Royce 'Badge of Honour' further showcases the creative liberties embraced within this department. This reinterpretation takes the form of a sleek stainless steel 'Double R' monogram, elegantly placed on both sail cowls.

The Rolls-Royce Droptail's rear design combines elements of roadster aesthetics with nautical influences. The horizontal transom section, which is wide and solid, draws inspiration from racing sailing yachts from the 1930s and utilizes natural light to create a sense of spaciousness. The vertical rear lamps are angled forward, indicating the car's dynamic nature. Additionally, the tall rear diffuser is coated with a semi-transparent lacquer, showcasing its raw carbon-fiber finish and serving as a visual anchor that connects the Droptail to the road.


In an intriguing design choice, the droptail roof emerges as a prominent secondary character in the overall aesthetic of the vehicle.


Droptail, a newly designed vehicle, offers a unique feature in the form of a removable hard top, allowing it to transform into two distinct characters. When the roof is off, Droptail takes on the appearance of a sleek, open-top roadster, exuding a sense of agility. However, with the roof installed, it undergoes a remarkable transformation, becoming a commanding and visually striking coupé. The design of Droptail is characterized by its remarkably low profile and a distinctive 'postbox' glasshouse, which serves as a deliberate expression of attitude. This design concept draws inspiration from the modified cars of the mid-twentieth century, particularly the 'hot-rod' and 'Kustom' styles. These cars were known for their unique modification technique, where sections of the metalwork between the roof and the main body were meticulously removed by hand, resulting in a lowered roofline and a bold and assertive aesthetic statement.


Rolls-Royce has unveiled a sophisticated and luxurious expression of its brand ethos. The latest addition to their lineup, known as Droptail, showcases a contemporary design that is both intricate and captivating. One of the standout features of this remarkable vehicle is its removable roof, which is crafted from carbon fiber. This choice of material not only adds to the overall aesthetic appeal but also allows for the incorporation of a striking cantilevered design with crisp edges. Recognizing the diverse needs of their esteemed clientele, Rolls-Royce has ensured that Droptail can be enjoyed in various climates across the globe. To achieve this, the roof is equipped with electrochromic glass, which can be adjusted to control the amount of light entering the interior. With just a simple touch of a button, occupants can effortlessly modify the ambiance to suit their preferences. Ingeniously, the electrical connection for the roof is cleverly channeled through the mounting points. This thoughtful design feature enables seamless installation and removal of the roof, ensuring convenience for the discerning owners of this exceptional motor car.


In a stunning display of interior design, the new DropTail model boasts a remarkable feature known as "Inner Clarity. This innovative addition elevates the driving experience to new heights, providing occupants with a sense of serenity.


Droptail, the latest creation from Rolls-Royce, is a roadster that embraces the essence of intimacy. With its two-seat design, the car's interior provides a sense of enclosure and protection, thanks to its high waist rail and low seating position. The concept of a focused and minimalist interior resonated strongly with the clients who commissioned this remarkable vehicle. Responding to this demand, the talented designers at Rolls-Royce embarked on a mission to create a fascia that not only celebrated minimalism but also offered a tactile experience. The result is a visually striking dashboard where only three primary buttons are visible. However, despite its seemingly simplistic appearance, this cutting-edge fascia encompasses all the modern functionalities one would expect from a Rolls-Royce. The development of this remarkable fascia was no small feat. It took a dedicated team four years to meticulously design, test, and ensure compliance with all necessary regulations. The attention to detail and commitment to perfection are evident in every aspect of Droptail's interior, making it a true testament to Rolls-Royce's unwavering pursuit of excellence.

The interior design of Droptail is a testament to the artistry of woodcraft. Every detail has been carefully considered to showcase the exceptional skills of Rolls-Royce artisans. The minimalist approach allows the wood to take center stage, with generous surfaces and expressive sculpture that accentuate its natural beauty. The strategic placement of the wood catches light from various angles, creating a stunning visual effect reminiscent of contemporary cabinetmakers' organic forms.


In the cabin, one cannot help but be captivated by the striking curved shawl panel. This remarkable feature, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, envelops both the driver and their companion, creating an atmosphere of profound togetherness. Its seamless design seamlessly blends with the overall aesthetic of this enchanting two-seater roadster, perfectly capturing its romantic essence.


In a striking display of design prowess, a theatrical cantilevered plinth-like armrest takes center stage between the two seats, leaving a lasting impression with its seamless, elliptical shape. This innovative feature effortlessly moves back and forth at the push of a button, providing convenient access to the rotary information and entertainment system controller whenever needed before discreetly concealing it from sight. Reflecting the luxurious ambiance of the interior, the plinth is enveloped by inner seat bolsters crafted from plush, velvety leather.


In a remarkable feat of design, Droptail has achieved an unprecedented level of surface simplicity, solidifying its presence and character. This accomplishment stands as the most challenging endeavor in the history of Coachbuild.


In the world of engineering, there is a rising trend known as droptail engineering that is revolutionizing the concept of freedom and customization. This innovative approach allows individuals to break free from the constraints of standardized designs and embrace bespoke solutions tailored to their specific needs.


Rolls-Royce has unveiled a groundbreaking development for its latest model, the Droptail. The luxury car manufacturer has gone beyond its existing architecture to create completely new underpinnings for this exclusive vehicle. The Droptail features a rigid monocoque construction, utilizing a combination of aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber. While steel is employed for the load-bearing front wing and door sections, carbon fiber takes over from the b-pillar onward, forming three bonded sections. This lightweight and highly malleable material has allowed for the realization of the Droptail's striking compound curves. Notably, the rear quarter panels of the vehicle are the largest carbon fiber panels ever produced for a Rolls-Royce motor car.


In a nod to the early days of coachbuilt Rolls-Royces, where a body was placed onto a rolling chassis, Droptail follows in the same tradition. Its exterior design is seamlessly integrated with a modern Rolls-Royce drivetrain, ensuring a familiar experience for the esteemed clientele who have a long history of collecting Rolls-Royce vehicles. To match the distinctive appearance of Droptail, the twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 engine has been subtly enhanced, resulting in an additional 30 horsepower and an impressive torque figure of 840 Nm. This marks the first time that engine power output has been increased for a Rolls-Royce Coachbuild project, further enhancing the exclusivity and performance of this exceptional vehicle.


In a remarkable display of unity and vision, the concept of "droptail" has emerged as a symbol of a shared legacy and a bold future. This innovative idea has captivated the attention of individuals from all walks of life, transcending boundaries and inspiring a collective sense of purpose. DROPTAIL represents a paradigm shift.


Droptail, the latest creation from Rolls-Royce's Coachbuild department, showcases an unprecedented level of focus and precision. This project, deemed the department's most intricate and technically challenging endeavor to date, solidifies Coachbuild's position as the pinnacle of applied art. With its audacious reinterpretation of Rolls-Royce iconography, emphasis on simplicity and timelessness, and dedication to serving as a testament to its owners, Droptail sets a new benchmark in the luxury sector. Moreover, it serves as a resounding affirmation that coachbuilding will play a significant role in Rolls-Royce's long-term strategy. By collaborating closely with its clients, Droptail unequivocally declares that the future of Rolls-Royce will be shaped hand-in-hand with its discerning clientele.


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